Portugal admits convergence on multilateralism

Luanda – The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, admitted that there is convergence between Angola and Portugal, in the areas of multilateralism and appreciation of international law.

In an interview to Angola’s state-owned Jornal de Angola newspaper, published on Wednesday, the Portuguese head of state said that the convergence between the two countries extends to the areas of human rights, the importance of migration, the role of international organizations, the oceans and attention to climate change.

“There is a joint action here that is not only bilateral but also multilateral, which means a convergence of visions and, at the same time, strengthening of empathy,” said the Portuguese statesman who is in Angola for a four-day visit.

According to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the relationship between Angola and Portugal has several levels, including political and diplomatic relations with the United Nations, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), but also the presence in other domains in the continents of Africa and Europe.

In relation to the CPLP, organization of which the two countries are part, the Portuguese Head of State understands that it is not enough to have a community. “People think it does not tell them anything because it is so far away.”

He considers it essential to explain to people what the CPLP has done to facilitate the lives of community members.

Opportunities in the economic field

Angola and Portugal can explore the opportunities in the fields of agriculture, industry, trade and infrastructure, said the president of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The Portuguese Head of State said that these opportunities are based not only on an economic and financial basis, but also on a social basis.

Regarding the suspicions that Portuguese companies were allegedly involved in money laundering processes in Angola, the statesman understands those involved in such situations, must be subject to control or supervision, made accountable and punished, if applicable.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who arrived in Luanda last Tuesday and started an official visit to Angola on Wednesday, which will take him to the cities of Lubango, Benguela, Catumbela and Lobito.